Pet emergency
My dog ate Common Fig — what to do
Step by step
- Take common fig away and remove any plant material from your dog's mouth so they cannot eat more.
- Note roughly how much was eaten and when — this helps the vet judge the risk.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless a vet or poison-control specialist tells you to.
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply) and follow their advice.
- Watch for drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or lethargy, and bring a leaf or photo to the appointment.
This is general guidance, not veterinary advice. Pets vary, and a reaction may be to soil, fertiliser, or pesticide as well as the plant. When in doubt, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
My dog ate common fig — FAQ
Is common fig poisonous to dogs?
Yes — the ASPCA lists Common Fig (Ficus carica) as toxic to dogs. ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap and leaves contain ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin/psoralen (phototoxic). Signs include oral and GI irritation, drooling, vomiting, and dermatitis on skin contact. Ripe fruit flesh is edible for humans; keep pets away from sap and foliage.
How serious is it if my dog ate common fig?
Common Fig is toxic to dogs and reactions can be significant, so treat any ingestion as urgent. Call your vet or poison control on (888) 426-4435 straight away rather than waiting to see if symptoms develop.
What symptoms should I watch for?
Signs usually appear soon after chewing: drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, loss of appetite, or unusual lethargy. ASPCA lists fig (Ficus) as toxic to cats, dogs and horses. The milky sap and leaves contain ficin (a proteolytic enzyme) and ficusin/psoralen (phototoxic). Signs include oral and GI irritation, drooling, vomiting, and dermatitis on skin contact. Ripe fruit flesh is edible for humans; keep pets away from sap and foliage. Any worsening or persistent symptoms warrant an immediate vet visit.
Should I make my dog vomit?
No — do not induce vomiting unless a vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center specifically tells you to. The wrong action can make things worse. Call (888) 426-4435 and follow professional advice.
How do I stop this happening again?
Keep common fig well out of reach, or swap it for an ASPCA non-toxic plant — see the best dogs-safe plants list.
Related
- Is common fig toxic to dogs? — full toxicity detail
- Common Fig and pets — the complete ASPCA pet-safety guide